Transportable Tray System

ABSTRACT

A tray system comprises a tray comprising a bottom portion and sides forming a volume in which junctures of the sides and the bottom portion are rounded to comprise convex exterior surfaces. The tray further comprises two loop members disposed on opposing ends of the tray. A connecting member is configured to removably join to a one of the loop members. A lead device is configured to removably join to the connecting member. The lead device is operable for transferring a motive force to the tray to transport the tray over an uneven terrain comprising obstacles in which the convex surfaces enable the tray to maneuver around or traverse the obstacles.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to containmentdevices. More particularly, the invention relates to a transportabletray and tray assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Workers in confined spaces with restricted vertical clearance located inareas such as crawl spaces, under foundations, under computer floors andin attics are often challenged with containing and carrying tools, partsand supplies for performing their work. Tools may be contained is avariety of different shapes and sizes of boxes. Furthermore, workersoften find they need to perform several trips to their tool repositoryin order to transport the tools to the location for performing the job.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniquesare not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example tray device, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example tray device connected with a multiplicityof other tray devices to form a tray assembly, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example tray device connected with a multiplicityof other tray devices to form a stacked tray assembly, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example coupling for connecting tray deviceswhere the coupling is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example coupling for connecting tray deviceswhere coupling is open, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the example tray assembly as described with referenceto FIG. 2 maneuvering around and over obstacles and uneven terrain, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to embodimentsthereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modificationswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations andmodifications may involve equivalent and other features which arealready known in the art, and which may be used instead of or inaddition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particularcombinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of thedisclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature orany novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates tothe same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or notit mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does thepresent invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitablesubcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may beformulated to such features and/or combinations of such features duringthe prosecution of the present Application or of any further Applicationderived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,”“various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of theinvention so described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated useof the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerationsand compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimalmanufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and inparticular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercialimplementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of thepresent invention may be configured according to the needs of theparticular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s),result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachingsrelated to any described embodiment of the present invention may besuitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improvedand/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skillsand known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation thataddresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions orparticular construction materials indicated herein are solely providedas examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to belimiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particularapplication, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in lightof the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternativeimplementation details.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described which provide agenerally square-shaped shallow tray. Alternate embodiments may comprisetrays with various other shapes such as, but not limited to, polygon,round, oval or freeform. Furthermore, the tray is configured withrounded corners and with a rounded intersection of the sides of the traywith the bottom of the tray. The tray is configured with loopsattached/integrated on opposing sides of the tray. The loops areconfigured near the mid-point of a side with respect to the vertical andhorizontal. In alternate embodiments, the loops may be located at anypoint laterally or vertically on the tray dependent upon the desiredfunctionality and/or attitude during transport. In a non-limitingexample, height of a leading loop may be lower than height of a trailingloop so that the leading edge of the trailing tray will tend to trackhigher than the trailing edge of the leading tray to aid in transportover soft media such as blown insulation.

A coupling may be attached to the loop associated with the tray. Amultiplicity of trays may be configured as a string or train of trays byconnecting the trays together using couplings. A lead with a looped endor ends may be attached to a tray located at the end of the string oftrays in order to provide a means for towing the string of trays.

The rounded corners and rounded underside of the trays combined with thearrangement of the loops and couplings associated with connecting thestring of trays enables the string of trays to maneuver around and overobstructions.

The ratio of the side dimension with respect to the bottom dimension andthe length dimension of the loops and couplings enables a string oftrays to be pulled or pushed for traversing from one location to anotherlocation. In some embodiments, the length dimension of the loops onopposite ends of trays combined with the couplings and depth of traysmay be such that they facilitate the stacking of trays and/or inversionof trays to act as lids while maintaining the functionality of towingand maneuverability. In general, placing the loops within the middle ⅓of the vertical tray height allows for the coupling length to remainrelatively short while still allowing for stacking and covering ofadjacent trays. In some embodiments with the application ofcomparatively larger/deeper trays, the vertical alignment of the loopsmay be held lower or higher to enhance the ability of connected trays totransport heavier loads.

The arrangement of the loops and couplings enable an end tray or traysto be flipped upside down and inserted into an adjacent tray or trays inorder to cover and protect the contents of the covered tray.Furthermore, the trays may be rotated and stacked onto adjacent trays toform a compact stack of trays. The alignment and size of loops andcouplings may allow for the nesting or covering without the need todisconnect adjacent trays.

Alignment lips located on two opposing corners of the tray providealignment of the tray when inverted and inserted into another tray toprovide a covering.

The loops and couplings are configured in such a way as to enable onetray to be inserted into another tray.

A continuous ridge traverses around the outside perimeter of the tray inorder to provide alignment and rigidity for stacking a multiplicity oftrays to form a stacked tray assembly.

In a stacked configuration, a void or empty space is provided forstorage of tools, parts and supplies.

A strap or a multiplicity of straps may be connected to a stacked trayassembly in order to transport the tray assembly as a single unit.Furthermore, strap or straps may be used for lowering or raising stackedtray assembly through an opening into an enclosed space (e.g. crawlspace, attic, etc.)

Non-limiting examples of alternative uses for tray include, as a headrest, knee pad or seating device. Furthermore, a multiplicity ofinverted trays may be placed on the ground in order to provide anon-contaminated surface. Furthermore, a series of trays may beindividually used to distribute or hold parts relating to wheels of adevice (e.g. automobile) in order to facilitate maintenance and repairsand/or may be used for storing and transporting old or new components inorder to provide a means for finding components and for preventing lossof the components. Non-limiting examples for using trays associated withan automobile include tire rotation, brake repair, brake maintenance,shock repair and suspension repair.

For a stacked tray assembly, the top tray may be inverted and void ofitems in order to provide a covering. Furthermore, the inverted top traymay be removed and used in its inverted orientation as a seating deviceor knee cushion following transportation of the tray assembly.

Trays may be used for a multiplicity of applications. Non-limitingexamples for application of trays include building trades, IT,audio/video, phone, data, landscaping, harvesting, spelunking,tailoring, towing and manufacturing. Furthermore, trays may be used byjewelers, medical professionals, laboratories, tailors, garmentindustry, product assembly, auto repair and emergency responseprofessionals.

Tray is proportionally configured with respect to its dimensions andmaterial of manufacture for providing a strong, yet lightweight device.Typical dimension ratios relative to shape, length, width, depth, loopand connector size are related to functionality yet widely flexibleaccording to the particular application or industry. Furthermore, thedevice may be configured such that its cost for manufacture isrelatively inexpensive.

A multiplicity of trays may be linked via flexible couplings to form atray assembly.

A first end of a lead connected to a loop associated with a trayassembly enables transport of the tray assembly via application of aforce to the lead. Furthermore, a second end of the lead connected to orhand-held by a person provides transport of the tray assembly in theperson's direction of travel. Furthermore, the attached tray assemblymay be transported through confined spaces and over irregular terrain.Tray assembly may traverse irregular terrain and maneuver aroundobstacles due to the rounded corners and smooth rounded bottom of thetray and the configuration of the linking mechanism between the trays.The ratio of linking mechanism connector size and overall lengthrelative to a particular tray size or shape may allow the connectedtrays to be easily rotated and nested or flipped to act as a covering.Non-limiting examples of irregular terrain and obstacles include dirt,plywood, insulation, pipes, hoses, wires, bark, grass, concrete, smoothflooring, table top, roofing material, plastic sheathing and crushedrock, foundation corners, pier blocks, wood posts, building corners andtrees. Furthermore, rounded corners and smooth rounded bottom providefor an easy-to-clean device.

The coupled trays form a semi-rigid device with hinging provided by thecouplings configured between the trays. Furthermore, the configurationof the tray assembly allows for independent movement of individual trayswhile the trays are connected.

A tray may be inverted in order to form a cover for an adjacent tray.Furthermore, with a coupling device connecting the trays, a followingtray may form a covering for an adjacent leading tray or a series offollowing trays may form a covering over a series of leading trays.

A multiplicity of connected trays may be stacked or nested. Furthermore,stacking or nesting may be accomplished while the associated couplingdevices are connected between the trays.

A tray may be disconnected from a tray assembly (i.e. multiplicity ofconnected trays).

A tray may be connected to a tray or a tray assembly (i.e. multiplicityof connected trays).

A tray may be used to perform a multiplicity of operations. Non-limitingexamples of operations include mixing, sorting and storing.

A tray may be used as a seating device providing a place for a person tosit on.

A tray may be used as a knee cushion providing a place for a person tokneel.

A tray may be used as a head rest providing a place for a person to resttheir head.

Smooth interior concave corners reduce the tendency of inaccessibleareas to large or gloved hands to provide access to items located withina tray.

Trays may be configured of different colors. As a non-limiting exampledifferent color configurations enable identification/classification ofitems located within the trays.

Trays may be fitted with integral LED lights for illuminating theinterior of the trays or outside of the trays for illuminating the workspace.

Trays may be made from “glow-in-the-dark” material to provide light forilluminating the interior of the trays or for locating the trays in anotherwise dark environment.

Coupling devices may be configured of a rod shaped in a half loop withends of half loop connected via a latch. As a non-limiting example,latch may be configured as a spring-loaded closing hook. As a furthernon-limiting example, rod may have a diameter of ¼ of an inch. As afurther non-limiting example, spring-loaded closing hook may beconfigured similar to that of a carabiner or swivel snap hook.

Trays and couplings may be configured of a variety of materials and maybe configured in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Furthermore,trays may be used for a variety of applications. Non-limiting examplesfor applications of trays include storage of plumbing and electricalcomponents and tools. As a non-limiting example application, traysenable transport of tools and equipment into and through environmentswith a low vertical clearance environment. Non-limiting examples forusers of trays include construction workers, auto mechanics, assemblyworkers, gardeners/nursery workers, harvesters, electronics installers,tailors, jewelers, artists and crafters.

A lead may be attached to a loop for moving a tray or tray assembly.Furthermore, tray or tray assembly may be moved via application of aforce to the attached lead.

A tray or tray assembly may also be pushed along due to the inherentrestricted lateral movement between connected trays.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example tray device, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

A tray device 100 includes four lips with a sampling noted as a lip 102,two raised corner lips with a sampling noted as a raised corner lip 104,two non-raised corners with a sampling noted as a non-raised corner 105,two loops with a sampling noted as a loop 106, four sides with asampling noted as a side 108, a cavity 110, a bottom 112 and twocouplings with a sampling noted as a coupling 114.

Bottom 112 provides support and connects to side 108. Raised corner lip104 connects to the left end of side 108. Non-raised corner 105 connectsto the right end of side 108. Loop 106 connects to a side and is locatednear the middle of the side. Coupling 114 connects to loop 106. Cavity110 is located above bottom 112 and interior to sides.

Tray device 100 provides storage for items. Non-limiting examples ofitems include tools, components, parts and assemblies. Furthermore, traydevice 100 may be used for transporting items associated with traydevice 100.

Lip 102 enables stacking and securing a first tray device on top ofsecond tray device.

Raised corner lip 104 and non-raised corner 105 enable securely stackinga first inverted tray device on top of second tray device in order toprovide a cover for the second tray device.

Loop 106 enables connection of first tray device with a second traydevice via a coupling.

Side 108 provides a barrier to prevent displacement of items containedwithin tray device 100.

Cavity 110 provides a space for storing items. Non-limiting examples ofitems include tools, components, parts and assemblies.

Coupling 114 provides connection from another tray device to tray device100.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example tray device where a cavity provides aspace for storage of items and a loop and a coupling enables connectionof the tray device with other tray devices.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example tray device connected with a multiplicityof other tray devices to form a tray assembly, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

A tray assembly 200 includes tray device 100, a tray device 202, a traydevice 204 and a tray device 206.

Tray devices 202, 204 and 206 are configured in a similar manner as traydevice 100.

A lead device 208 connects to tray device 100 via coupling 114. Traydevice 202 connects to tray device 204 via a coupling 210. Tray device204 connects to tray device 206 via a coupling 212. Tray device 206connects to tray device 100 via a coupling 214.

Tray devices 100, 202, 204 and 206 enable storage of items. Furthermore,tray devices 100, 202, 204 and 206 enable transportation of items storedwithin the tray devices. Tray assembly 200 may be transported byapplication of a force to lead device 208. Application of force to leaddevice 208 facilitates movement of tray device 100. Furthermore,movement of tray device 100 applies a force to tray device 206 viacoupling 214 resulting in movement of tray device 206. Furthermore,movement tray device 206 applies a force to tray device 204 via coupling212 resulting in movement of tray device 204. Furthermore, movement oftray device 204 applies a force to tray device 202 via coupling 210resulting in movement of tray device 202.

Tray assembly 200, as configured in the illustration, enables transportfor items contained within the trays when traversing tight spaces (e.g.crawl space, conduit, drain, etc.). Furthermore, tray assembly 200 maybe transported in a straight line, in a curve, around obstacles and/oracross uneven terrain.

Tray assembly 200 may also be pushed via application of force to traydevice 100 or tray device 202. The configuration of the tray devices andassociated couplings provides sufficient rigidity such that trayassembly 200 may be pushed. The distance between individual trays thatis created by the combination of the size of the loops on the trays plusthe coupling allow for train-style tracking when an assembly is pulledand also allows for adequate rigidity when an assembly is pushed.Typically, coupling length inside dimension may be roughly equal to thedepth of tray dimension plus diameter of loop rod dimension andfabricated out of material such as, but not limited to, steel.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example tray device connected with a multiplicityof other tray devices to form a tray assembly where the tray assemblymay be transported by application of a force to a lead device.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example tray device connected with a multiplicityof other tray devices to form a stacked tray assembly, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

Tray device 202 is oriented in an upright position and resides on theground. Furthermore, tray device 204 is oriented in an upright positionand is stacked onto tray device 202. Tray device 206 is oriented in anupright position and is stacked onto tray device 204. Tray device 100 isoriented in an upside down position and is inserted into tray device206.

Tray assembly 200 may converted from the configuration as illustrationin FIG. 2A to the stacked configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2B byfolding tray device 100 over tray device 206 and inserting tray device100 into tray device 206. The partially stacked combination of traydevice 100 and tray device 206 may then be rotated 180 degrees in aclockwise or counter clockwise manner and then inserted into tray device204. The partially stacked combination of tray device 100, 206 and 204may then be rotated 180 degrees in a clockwise or counter clockwisemanner and then inserted into tray device 202.

The stacked configuration enables economical storage of tray assembly200, as stacking of the devices reduces the space consumed by theassembly.

The stacked configuration may be provided with any number means forconveying the assembly such as, but not limited to, simple straps orframes.

Couplings may remain attached to trays whether the trays are stacked orinverted in order to provide a cover.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example tray device connected with a multiplicityof other tray devices to form a stacked tray assembly where one traydevice is flipped over and inserted into an adjacent tray device,followed by rotation and insertion of the partially stacked tray devicesinto the remaining tray devices until the tray devices are configured ina stacked orientation.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example coupling for connecting tray deviceswhere the coupling is closed, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Coupling 114 as described with reference to FIGS. 1-2 includes a leftloop portion 302 and a right loop portion 304.

Coupling 114 enables trays to be connected by insertion of associatedloops into coupling 114.

Left loop portion 302 connects to right loop portion 304 via a hingeportion 306.

Left loop portion 302 connects to right loop portion 304 via a latchportion 308.

Latch portion 308 may be configured of any know latching mechanism. As anon-limiting example, latch portion 308 may be configured as a springlatch.

Latch portion 308 may be unlatched in order for left loop portion 302and right loop portion to be separated at the top.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example coupling for connecting tray deviceswhere a left loop connects to a right loop via a hinge and a latch, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example coupling for connecting tray deviceswhere coupling is open, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Latch portion 308 has been unlatched such that left loop portion 302 andright loop portion 304 are separated at the top forming an opening 310.

Opening 310 enables insertion and removal of loops associated with traysand loops associated with a lead into a space 312.

After loops have been inserted or removed, the loops may be connected atthe top via latching of latch portion 308.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example coupling for connecting tray deviceswhere the coupling is open enabling insertion/deletion of loops, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize the exemplary couplingdescribed above is a simplistic embodiment. One will readily recognizethat a variety of means may be used to couple the tray devices inaccordance with the teachings herein. Non-limiting examples of suchmeans are spring loaded hooks, carabiner type devices, snap hooks withswivel, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates the example tray assembly as described with referenceto FIG. 2 maneuvering around and over obstacles and uneven terrain, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Tray device 100 has moved down due to the lowering of a terrain 401 andto the right to avoid/traverse an obstacle 402. Furthermore, coupling208 and 214 have shifted in order to accommodate the change in terrain401 and to avoid/traverse obstacle 402.

Tray device 206 has moved down due to terrain 401 and to the left toavoid/traverse an obstacle 404. Furthermore, coupling 212 has shifted inorder to accommodate the change in terrain 401 and to avoid/traverseobstacle 404.

Tray device 204 has moved up due to terrain 401 and to the left toavoid/traverse an obstacle 406. Furthermore, coupling 210 has shifted inorder to accommodate the change in terrain 401 and to avoid/traverseobstacle 406.

FIG. 4 illustrates the example tray assembly as described with referenceto FIG. 2 maneuvering around and over obstacles and uneven terrain inorder to transport items over the uneven terrain and obstacles.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including anyaccompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternativefeatures serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unlessexpressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise,each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series ofequivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative tray devices and assemblies according tothe present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Theinvention has been described above by way of illustration, and thespecific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the inventionto the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particularimplementation of the tray device may vary depending upon the particulartype of material used. The tray device described in the foregoing wasdirected to plastic implementations; however, similar techniques usingaluminum implementations of the present invention are contemplated aswithin the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or letteredsolely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numberingand lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken toindicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tray system comprising: a tray comprising abottom portion and sides forming a volume in which junctures of saidsides and said bottom portion are rounded to comprise convex exteriorsurfaces, said tray further comprising two loop members disposed onopposing ends of said tray; a connecting member being configured toremovably join to a one of said loop members; and a lead device beingconfigured to removably join to said connecting member, said lead devicebeing operable for transferring a motive force to said tray to transportsaid tray over an uneven terrain comprising obstacles in which saidconvex surfaces enable said tray to maneuver around or traverse theobstacles.
 2. The tray system as recited in claim 1, further comprisinga plurality of additional trays each being configured as said tray, anda plurality of additional connecting members being configured toremovably join to said loop members to form a train of coupled trays. 3.The tray system as recited in claim 2, in which each of said sidesfurther comprises a lip structure being operable for securing trays in astacked position.
 4. The tray system as recited in claim 2, in whichsaid connecting members are configured to enable adjacently coupledtrays to be stacked.
 5. The tray system as recited in claim 2, in whicheach of said trays further comprises raised corners being operable forsecuring an inverted tray in a cover position over another tray.
 6. Thetray system as recited in claim 2, in which said connecting members areconfigured to enable a first tray to be inverted and positioned over anadjacently coupled tray as a cover.
 7. The tray system as recited inclaim 1, in which said tray further comprises concave interior surfaces.8. The tray system as recited in claim 1, in which said tray isconfigured for a user to sit on said bottom portion.
 9. The tray systemas recited in claim 1, in which said tray is configured for a user torest their head on said bottom portion.
 10. The tray system as recitedin claim 1, in which said tray comprises a rectangular shape.
 11. Thetray system as recited in claim 1, in which said connecting membercomprises a spring latch.
 12. The tray system as recited in claim 1, inwhich said connecting member comprises a carabiner.
 13. A tray systemcomprising: a plurality of trays each comprising convex exteriorsurfaces, means being operable for securing trays in a stacked position,means being operable for securing an inverted tray in a cover positionover another tray, and means for joining to opposing ends of each ofsaid trays; means being configured for removably joining said trays toform a train of coupled trays; and means being operable for transferringa motive force to the train to transport the train over an uneventerrain comprising obstacles in which said convex surfaces enable thetrain to maneuver around or traverse the obstacles.
 14. A tray systemcomprising: a plurality of trays each comprising a bottom portion andsides forming a volume in which junctures of said sides and said bottomportion are rounded to comprise convex exterior surfaces and concaveinterior surfaces, said bottom portion and said sides being configuredto laterally retain items placed in said volume, each of said sidesfurther comprising a lip structure being operable for securing trays ina stacked position, said trays each further comprising raised cornersbeing operable for securing an inverted tray in a cover position overanother tray, said trays each further comprising two loop membersdisposed on opposing ends of said tray; a plurality connecting memberbeing configured to removably join to said loop members to form a trainof coupled trays; and a lead device being configured to removably jointo a connecting member removably joined to a loop member of a tray at anend of the train of coupled trays, said lead device being operable fortransferring a motive force to the train to transport the train over anuneven terrain comprising obstacles in which said convex surfaces enablethe train to maneuver around or traverse the obstacles.
 15. The traysystem as recited in claim 14, in which said connecting members areconfigured to enable adjacently coupled trays to be stacked and toenable a following tray or group of trays to be inverted and positionedover adjacently coupled tray or group of trays as (a) cover(s).
 16. Thetray system as recited in claim 14, in which said trays are configuredfor a user to sit on said bottom portion.
 17. The tray system as recitedin claim 14, in which said trays are configured for a user to rest theirhead on said bottom portion.
 18. The tray system as recited in claim 14,in which said trays comprise a rectangular shape.
 19. The tray system asrecited in claim 14, in which said connecting members comprise a springlatch.
 20. The tray system as recited in claim 14, in which saidconnecting members comprise a carabiner.